NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Kia K5 Safety Ratings
The 2026 Kia K5 scores 90 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 9 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Kia K5 secures an overall 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA crash testing, complemented by a perfect avoidance-technology score. This robust performance underpins its NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100, placing the model firmly within the Exceptional band. The presence of a single active recall is noted, though it does little to diminish the K5's otherwise strong safety profile.
The 2026 Kia K5 received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a 90/100 NHTSA Safety Index derived exclusively from NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 72 Sedans from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Kia K5 ranks 40 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 90 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.7% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 9 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 40 of 72 Sedans tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Kia K5?
The 2026 Kia K5 marks a meaningful step forward from its predecessor. The NHTSA Safety Index climbed from 86/100 in the Strong band for the 2025 model to 90/100 in the Exceptional band for 2026, a four-point gain that pushed the vehicle across a band boundary. That movement is anchored by a near-perfect defect record sub-score of 18.75 out of 20 and a flawless avoidance-tech score of 10 out of 10, reflecting standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. Crash protection contributes 61 of a possible 70 points, consistent with the NHTSA five-star overall result. The single recall, centered on the instrument cluster and panel within the electrical system, is the primary safety footnote for this model year. With nine reported complaints on record and the most recent filed in May, the complaint volume is modest for a current-year vehicle, though the concentration of alleged engine and electrical issues is worth monitoring as the model year matures. Taken together, the 2026 K5 presents one of the stronger safety profiles in its class based on available federal data.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Kia K5 perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Kia K5 achieved a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its side-impact protection also reached the maximum five stars. Frontal crash protection and the rollover resistance assessment each earned four stars; the K5 demonstrated no tip in the dynamic rollover test, presenting an 11 percent rollover risk.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21175
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Kia K5 have any recalls?
The 2026 Kia K5 carries one recall campaign. It involves the electrical system, specifically the instrument cluster and panel, and spans a multi-model group that includes this vehicle. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data for this campaign, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN through NHTSA.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL26V046000
Risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer, tire pressure, or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 26, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC361. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 9, 2026.
Reported 2026-01-27
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Kia K5?
Nine owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2026 K5, all unverified allegations. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Unknown Or Other and Engine, each cited four times, followed by Electrical System with three reports. One allegation involves injuries; none involve fire or fatalities.
9 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Kia K5?
An open recall for the instrument cluster in the 2026 Kia K5 mandates that prospective buyers verify its remedy status. As a current model year, the distribution of parts to address this recall may still be in progress.
- The Safety Index rose four points year-over-year, from 86/100 in 2025 to 90/100 in 2026, crossing from the Strong band into the Exceptional band.
- NHTSA's overall five-star rating is supported by a perfect five-star side-impact score, while frontal and rollover each landed at four stars with an 11 percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result.
- One recall is active for this model year, targeting the electrical system's instrument cluster and panel; owners should verify remedy completion by VIN at NHTSA's website.
- Nine unverified complaints have been reported, with alleged engine and electrical issues appearing most frequently alongside four reports categorized as Unknown Or Other.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Kia K5 places
The 2026 Kia K5 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Kia K5 safety questions
Was the 2026 Kia K5 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Kia K5, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2026 Kia K5 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 Kia K5 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 10.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2026 Kia K5 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2026 Kia K5. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Kia K5?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 9 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Kia K5. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other K5 years
Rivals in Sedan (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Acura Integra | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2026 Acura Integra Type-S | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Honda Accord | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus IS 350 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Subaru Impreza | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21175), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia K5 2026.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 40 of 72 in the Sedan class for 2026.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.